> Thank you for sharing that. I've nearly been in over my head with work lately, but it somehow hasn't quite driven me to the point of collapse. But then you add to that the fact that I am personally being sabotaged and hurt to my very core by a few uncaring individuals, and you get one very upset, despairing Ellmyruh.
>

Oh dear. Ellmyruh, I was about to write you a post asking your professional opinion and begging you for help... but if I did that NOW, I'd feel as guilty of self-centeredness and pettiness as that entire morass of "uncaring individuals."


> Reading this post was a faint reminder of hope, and of that thing known as perspective.
>

I know, and I agree. Particularly because yesterday one of my classmates, Michael A. (way to go, Mike!) gave out something similar: a formal credo which you might find of some relevance. He says it was written by author Napoleon Hill. Like Mother Theresa, Hill apparently contends that the "success of life," in itself, is one's work in the striving. I'm going to go ahead and quote it because it specifically seems to be addressed to those who are having trouble in their work environment; and also because what the author says is so bold and starkly powerful. He writes,


/ / / / / / "I believe in myself. I believe in those who work with me. I believe in my employer. I believe in my friends. I believe in my family. I believe that God will lend me everything I need with which to succeed if I do my best to earn it through faithful and honest service. I believe in prayer and I will never close my eyes to sleep without praying for divine guidance to the end that I will be patient with other people and tolerant with those who do not believe as I do.

/ / / / / / "I believe that happiness is the result of intelligent effort and does not depend upon luck or sharp practices, or in double-crossing friends, fellowmen, or my employer. I believe I will get out of my life exactly what I put into it; therefore, I will be careful to conduct myself toward others as I would want them to act towards me. I will not slander those whom I do not like. I will not slight my work no matter what I may see others doing. I will render the best service of which I am capable because I have pledged myself to succeed in Life and I know that this success is always the result of conscientious and efficient effort. Finally, I will forgive those who offend me because I realize that I shall sometimes offend others and in turn need their forgiveness."


> >
> > You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
> >

Hm. Interesting to note that *without* the firm support of her preceding statements, perhaps this last statement by Mother Theresa could be interpreted massively out of context? When under the extremis of public scrutiny, the possible lines of attack upon one's person can get quite ugly.

Wolf "thinks she still needs Ellmyruh for reasons indirectly related to the above reason" spirit